Rubio Slams Brazilian Judge with Visa Revocations in Bolsonaro Witch Hunt

In a bold move that underscores the growing tension between the United States and Brazil, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced visa revocations targeting Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his close associates. This drastic step comes in response to what Rubio describes as a political witch hunt against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, whose legal battles have sparked international concern.

The Brazilian Supreme Court, under Moraes' lead, recently issued search warrants and restrictive orders against Bolsonaro, including a ban on contacting foreign officials, using social media, and even approaching embassies. Federal police have raided his home, and he now wears an ankle monitor—a measure Bolsonaro calls a supreme humiliation at the age of 70. These actions stem from allegations that Bolsonaro sought interference from U.S. President Donald Trump to influence Brazilian judicial proceedings, a charge Moraes deems an assault on national sovereignty.

Rubio didn’t mince words, accusing Moraes of orchestrating a persecution and censorship complex that not only infringes on the rights of Brazilians but also reaches beyond borders to target Americans. Meanwhile, President Trump has thrown his weight behind Bolsonaro, publicly demanding an end to what he calls an unjust trial and threatening a hefty 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting August 1 as leverage to pressure Brazil’s government.

Bolsonaro, on trial for allegedly plotting a coup to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office in 2023, has fiercely denied plans to flee Brazil, though his seized passport limits his movements. Labeling Moraes a dictator, he decried the court’s orders as acts of cowardice, while expressing a desire to meet Trump if travel restrictions are lifted.

This unfolding drama isn’t just a legal skirmish—it’s a clash of sovereignty, international influence, and raw political power. Trump’s tariff threat, as Moraes noted, could plunge Brazil into an economic crisis, further complicating an already volatile situation. As Bolsonaro remains cut off from key allies, including his son Eduardo, who is reportedly seeking U.S. citizenship, the question looms: will international pressure tip the scales, or will Brazil’s judiciary stand firm?